The Gunners Are a Long Shot in the Champions League

MONACO — In recent seasons at Arsenal, the seasons of minimal silverware, the club has specialized in moral victories.

No Premier League titles? Yes, but look at the consistency Arsenal has shown to continually finish in the top four. No success in the Champions League? At least the Gunners keep making it there. Which other club can say it’s qualified for the group stage in 17 straight seasons?

Even when it moves on and reaches meaningful soccer in the Champions League, Arsenal has a habit of producing memorable performances. But only after falling on its face first. Consider the recent list of valiantly futile comebacks.